Cirrus unveils its jet

Cirrus Design Corp. unveiled a mock-up of its much anticipated jet during a June 28 ceremony for customers at the company headquarters in Duluth, Minn. So far approximately 150 people have put down $100,000 deposits for the new aircraft.

“We’re calling it a ‘personal jet,’ not because of its size, but because it’s a natural extension of our SR22 line,” said Alan Klapmeier, Cirrus co-founder and CEO. “Like the SR22, ‘the-jet’ is designed to be owner flown and it will be loaded with innovative features, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System,” he continued. “While it’s technologically advanced, it’s designed to be exceptionally easy to fly, offering customers the opportunity to grow into yet another lifestyle change with Cirrus.”

“We are in the early design and development phase and didn’t want to limit ourselves in any way,” added Dale Klapmeier, vice chairman and co-founder. “It is also important that any data we released was absolutely accurate. So far we can confirm that ‘the-jet’ will be powered by a quiet, efficient and lightweight Williams jet engine that will give the aircraft great utility, economy and simplicity never before seen in this market.”

The jet’s design was kept secret during product development to protect the “unusual amount of versatility and flexibility that has been incorporated into an airplane of this size,” said Mike Van Staagen, vice president of advanced development. “The flexibility is even more surprising given this airplane is designed specifically for a single owner/operator,” he said. “The design is precisely configured to maximize flexibility for the owner. Mountain bikes, camping equipment, golf clubs, skis, bigger families, antique spinning wheel? No problem! ‘the-jet’ will deliver more value because its cavernous interior accommodates very diverse usage, and while doing this all at about 300 knots.”

The mock-up has a V tail and will seat up to five adults and two children.